Director of Purchasing

Description

The Director of Purchasing provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all estimating and purchasing functions across Blue Heron, supporting both programmatic communities and fully custom design‑build work. This role is responsible for developing accurate cost models, leading bid strategies, negotiating contracts, cultivating strong trade and vendor partnerships, and ensuring timely purchase order execution that aligns with schedule, quality, and margin objectives. Reporting to senior leadership, the Director collaborates cross‑functionally with Architecture, Interior Design, Construction, Sales, Client Services, and Finance to integrate workflows throughout the project lifecycle.

The Director oversees the full purchasing lifecycle—from bid strategy and vendor qualification to contract execution and PO issuance—while maintaining consistent estimating methodologies and scalable cost databases. They lead the options and upgrades program to ensure offerings match the Blue Heron brand, client expectations, and margin goals, and they drive continuous improvement by leveraging systems, data, and ERP tools. Additionally, the Director builds and mentors a high‑performing Estimating and Purchasing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and process excellence to support the company’s long‑term strategic growth.

• Develop and execute a purchasing and estimating strategy aligned with Blue Heron’s brand, growth, and financial objectives.
• Oversee creation and maintenance of accurate cost models, budgets, pro formas, and ROM estimates.
• Lead the full purchasing lifecycle, including bid strategy, vendor qualification, negotiation, contract execution, and PO issuance.
• Build and manage trade and vendor relationships, establishing qualification standards and negotiating competitive terms.
• Direct the options and upgrades program to ensure offerings reflect brand vision, client expectations, cost accuracy, and margin goals.
• Collaborate with Architecture, Interior Design, Construction, Sales, Finance, and IT to integrate cost, constructability, and procurement workflows.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing Estimating and Purchasing team, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
• Implement standardized workflows, maintain item master and cost databases, and optimize ERP and project management tools.
• Own departmental budget and performance metrics, monitoring cost variance, bid coverage, cycle times, and margin performance.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field, with 8–12+ years of progressive experience in purchasing, estimating, or pre‑construction within residential construction or luxury homebuilding, and at least 5 years of proven leadership managing teams and cross‑functional initiatives. Required expertise includes cost modeling, bid processes, contract negotiation, vendor management, strong understanding of construction methods and building science, and proficiency with estimating software, ERP systems, and Excel. A track record of driving process improvement, implementing systems, and scaling operations, along with excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills, is essential.

• Require 8–12+ years of progressive purchasing/estimating experience, 5+ years in leadership, a bachelor’s degree, and proficiency with estimating software, ERP systems, and Excel.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance